Apparatus and methods for occluding an anatomical structure

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for occluding an anatomical structure including an occlusion apparatus having first and second beams and at least one connector for connecting the respective ends of the beams together. The occlusion apparatus may be adapted for use in a deployment device having a pair of jaws and optionally having a respective pair of shuttle bodies for releasably connecting an occlusion apparatus to the jaws while in an open position and for releasing the occlusion device from the jaws while in a closed position. A system for occluding an anatomical structure is also disclosed that includes an occlusion apparatus and a deployment device for holding the occlusion apparatus in an open position for locating the occlusion device adjacent the anatomical structure to be occluded and then moving the occlusion apparatus to a closed position and locking the occlusion apparatus in the closed position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/010,509 filed on Jan.20, 2011, entitled, “APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR OCCLUDING AN ANATOMICALSTRUCTURE,” which claimed priority to Patent Cooperation TreatyApplication Serial No. PCT/US09/51270 filed on Jul. 21, 2009, entitled,“APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR OCCLUDING AN ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE,” whichclaimed priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/082,266, entitled, “APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR OCCLUDING AN ANATOMICALSTRUCTURE,” filed Jul. 21, 2008, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

RELATED ART

This disclosure relates generally to devices and methods that may beused to clamp tissue or occlude an anatomical structure. For example, itmay be desirable to occlude an anatomical structure such as the leftatrial appendage (LAA). It will be appreciated that blood may otherwisetend to clot in a non-occluded LAA, which may increase the risk ofstroke. Occlusion of the LAA may prevent blood from entering the LAA,thereby preventing blood from clotting in the LAA. Such occlusion maytherefore also prevent blood clots from exiting the LAA into the bloodstream, such that the risk of stroke may be reduced.

Of course, there may be other purposes for occluding the LAA, and thereare a variety of other anatomical structures that may be clamped oroccluded. Due to the varying dimensions of the LAA and other anatomicalstructures between individuals, it will be appreciated that it may bedesirable to provide occlusion devices of varying dimensions and/orconfigurations to correspond to the particular anatomical structureintended to be occluded or for other purposes.

INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally presents apparatus and methods for usein clamping tissue or occluding anatomical structures. An apparatus isprovided that comprises a pair of elongated clamping members, eachhaving first and second ends. An elastic connector is provided thatextends between at least the first ends of the clamping members and isoperably associated with each of the clamping members such that thetension applied by the elastic connector moves the clamping members froma spaced apart position to receive tissue therebetween toward each otherto clamp tissue. More specifically, an apparatus is provided foroccluding an anatomical structure where the apparatus includes a firstbeam member having first and second ends and a second beam member havingfirst and second ends. At least a first resilient or elastic memberconnects the first beam member and the second beam member to apply aforce to the beam members sufficient to cause the beam members toocclude an anatomical structure held between the beam members.

In a specific embodiment, the first resilient/elastic member is anelastic band connected to the first end of the first beam member and isconnected to the first end of the second beam member. The apparatusfurther includes at least a second resilient/elastic member that isconnected to the second end of the first beam member when the occlusionapparatus is in an open position and where the second resilient memberis stretched to facilitate connection to the second end of the secondbeam member when the occlusion apparatus is in a closed position.

In a second aspect, a system for occluding an anatomical structure isprovided which includes an occlusion apparatus and a deployment device.The deployment device is adapted to hold the occlusion apparatus in anopen position for locating the occlusion apparatus adjacent ananatomical structure to be occluded. The deployment device also includesa primary mover adapted to move the occlusion apparatus to a closedposition and a secondary mover adapted to lock the occlusion apparatusin the closed position.

In yet another aspect, a deployment device for applying an occlusionapparatus to an anatomical structure is provided. The deployment deviceincludes a shaft having a distal end, first and second jaws coupled tothe distal end of the shaft and biased toward an open position, as wellas first and second shuttle bodies slidably connected to the respectivefirst and second jaws. The first and second shuttle bodies are adaptedto releasably connect the occlusion apparatus to the respective firstand second jaws when the first and second shuttle bodies are in a firstposition relative to the first and second jaws. The deployment devicefurther includes the jaws being movable to a closed position after whichthe shuttle bodies are movable to a second position relative to thefirst and second jaws and the occlusion apparatus is released from thedeployment device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure includes the following description of certainexamples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in whichlike reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example apparatus for occludingan anatomical structure, in a closed position but with the beam membersshown in a stretched apart configuration to facilitate viewing anddescription herein;

FIG. 2 depicts the example apparatus of FIG. 1 applied to an anatomicalstructure;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the example apparatus of FIG. 1,held in an open position within an example deployment device;

FIG. 4 depicts a closer perspective view of the distal end of an uppermember of the example apparatus of FIG. 1 within the example deploymentdevice of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 depicts a closer perspective view of the distal end of a lowermember of the example apparatus of FIG. 1 within the example deploymentdevice of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 depicts an upper view of the example deployment device of FIG. 3having the example apparatus of FIG. 1 positioned therein;

FIG. 6A depicts a cross-sectional view through section line A-A of thestructures of FIG. 6, while in an open position;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective exploded view of the example apparatus foroccluding an anatomical structure and the example deployment device foruse therewith;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a portion of the example apparatusof FIG. 1 seated within a portion of the example deployment device ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the exampleapparatus in an open position while held within the example deploymentdevice; and

FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of the distal ends of the exampleapparatus in a closed position while held within the example deploymentdevice.

FIGS. 11A-C show three alternative configurations for affixing aresilient member to the end of a beam member.

FIGS. 12A-E disclose five different configurations for attaching theresilient member to the beam member in which the attachment means isfixed to or part of the beam member.

FIGS. 13A-E show five different configurations for securing theresilient member to the beam member in which the attachment meanscomprises a component fixed to the resilient member or is a part of theresilient member.

FIGS. 14A-D illustrate four different beam configurations forfacilitating the attachment of the resilient member to the beam memberby the creation of a window through the beam member.

FIGS. 15A-C illustrate three different configurations of the ends of thebeam members that facilitate the attachment of the resilient memberthereto by wrapping the resilient member around the beam.

FIGS. 16A-B illustrate hybrid configurations of occlusion apparatuscombining various of the configurations of FIGS. 14A-D and 15A-C.

FIGS. 17A-C illustrate three different configurations for the resilientmember in which the resilient member comprises a single element that isassociated with each end of the beam members.

FIGS. 18A-D discloses four configurations in which the occlusionapparatus may additionally, or alternatively, include a singlecontinuous resilient member that is associated with both beams of theocclusion apparatus.

FIGS. 19A-E illustrates five embodiments of an occlusion apparatusutilizing a single closure element associated with both beams of theocclusion apparatus in which the closure element has substantially lesselasticity than the resilient members of the previous examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the following discloses example apparatus and methods for usein occluding anatomical structures, it will be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art that the teachings of this disclosure are inno way limited to the example shown. On the contrary, it is contemplatedthat the teachings of this disclosure may be implemented in alternativeconfigurations and environments. For example, although the exampleapparatus described herein is described in conjunction with aconfiguration for occluding an LAA, those of ordinary skill in the artwill readily recognize that the example apparatus and methods may beused to occlude other anatomical structures and may be configured tocorrespond to such other structures as needed. Accordingly, while thefollowing describes an example apparatus and methods of use thereof,persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the disclosedexample is not the only way to implement such apparatus and/or methods,and the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative innature and not restrictive.

It will be appreciated that the example of an occlusion apparatus mayact as a clamp or clip. For instance, as will be described in greaterdetail below, an occlusion apparatus may be secured to an anatomicalstructure. To the extent that such an anatomical structure wouldotherwise permit communication of fluid through the anatomicalstructure, the clamping or other engagement of an occlusion apparatus onthe anatomical structure may substantially prevent the communication offluid through, into, or out of the anatomical structure. The followingexample of an occlusion apparatus may therefore be used to form anocclusion in the anatomical structure. It will be appreciated, however,that an occlusion apparatus need not necessarily be used to form acomplete occlusion in an anatomical structure, and may be instead usedsimply to restrict or regulate the flow of fluid through, into, or outof an anatomical structure.

In addition, it will be appreciated that the following example of anocclusion apparatus may be configured such that it is atraumatic withregard to the anatomical structure being occluded, adjacent organs,and/or adjacent tissue. Due to the varying dimensions of the LAA andother anatomical structures between individuals, it will be appreciatedthe overall dimensions or configurations of an occlusion apparatus maybe varied to accommodate anatomical structures of different dimensionsor for other purposes.

The example occlusion apparatus may include a sock or retention materialconfigured to enshroud at least some of the components. A sock maycomprise a knit, braided polyester material. Of course, any othersuitable materials may be used for a sock, including but not limited topolyethylene. It will also be appreciated that a sock is optional andmay be configured to provide friction and to facilitate the growth ofscar tissue to hold the occlusion apparatus adjacent the anatomicalstructure. A sock may also be sutured to tissue to further secure anocclusion apparatus in place. At least one manner in which a sock may beincorporated in the example occlusion apparatus and associated methodsis described in more detail below. However, it will become apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art that components of an occlusionapparatus may be provided with a coating, textured or perforatedsurface, or some other configuration may be used to provide retentionresults similar to those provided by a sock. As one example, ionicplasma deposition (IPD), such as is available from Chameleon Scientificof Plymouth Minn., may be employed to create a surface-engineerednanostructure coating on components to enhance adhesion and scar tissuegrowth. Molecular plasma deposition of colloidal materials onto metal ornon-metal surfaces to affect biological activity also is discussed inU.S. Pat. No. 7,250,195, incorporated herein by reference.

Turning to the drawings, FIGS. 1-10 illustrate one specific example ofan occlusion apparatus 10, a use for such an occlusion apparatus 10, anda deployment device 110 for manipulating and placing the occlusionapparatus 10 in position on an anatomical structure to be occluded.

As is described in greater detail below, the occlusion apparatusgenerally comprises a pair of elongated beam members whose ends areconnected to each other by one or more elastic or resilient members, orother closure element, that apply a force to the first and second beammembers sufficient for the beam members to occlude an anatomicalstructure held between the beam members. FIGS. 11A-C, 12A-E, and 13A-Eshow alternative configurations by which the resilient member may beattached to the beam members. FIGS. 14A-D, 15A-C and 16A-B showalternative configurations for the beams for facilitating attachment ofthe resilient members. FIGS. 17A-C, 13A-D and 19A-E show alternativeconfigurations for the resilient member/closure element. As can beappreciated by one skilled in the art, the various configurations forthese aspects of the occlusion apparatus can be combined in variouscombinations to achieve an occlusion apparatus in accordance with thisdisclosure.

Returning to FIGS. 1-10, FIG. 1 shows a view of the example occlusionapparatus 10 in a closed but stretched position for ease of viewing anddescription, while FIG. 2 shows the occlusion apparatus installed on arepresentation of a left atrial appendage LAA of a patient's heart. Therepresentation of the left atrial appendage LAA is a simplifiedrendering showing the left atrial appendage in a position extendingoutward from the left atrium of a heart. With an occlusion apparatus 10held by a deployment device 110, the occlusion apparatus 10 may be movedto an open position, to allow a portion of the LAA to be passed throughthe open occlusion apparatus 10, for positioning of the occlusionapparatus 10 adjacent to the outside of the LAA. With the occlusionapparatus 10 so positioned, the deployment device 110 may be used tomove the occlusion apparatus 10 to a closed position and to release theocclusion apparatus 10.

FIG. 1 shows the occlusion apparatus 10 having a pair of beam members20, 30. Each beam member 20, 30 has a central body 22, 32, respectively.Each beam member 20, 30 further has a first end 26, 36, respectively.The first ends 26, 36 are represented as being the proximal ends of beammembers 20, 30 with respect to the deployment device 110, as best seenfor example in FIGS. 3 and 6A. Similarly, each beam member 20, 30 alsohas a second end 28, 38, respectively, with the second ends 28, 38 beingthe respective distal ends of beam members 20, 30 with respect to thedeployment device 110. In the example configuration shown in FIGS. 1-10,each beam member 20, 30 has its body 22, 32 and its respective first andsecond ends 26, 28 and 36, 38 integrally formed, such as by molding ofmedical grade plastics. It will be appreciated that alternatively, thefirst and/or second ends may be separate components formed by anysuitable manufacturing methods and may be joined to the central bodiesin any suitable manner.

The beam members 20, 30 are shown in this example as being covered by asock 24, 34, respectively. Each example sock 24, 34 is formed in atubular manner and slid into position over the respective central body22, 32, as seen for example in FIG. 9 which includes a cross-sectionalview of a portion of the central body 32 and an end 38 of the beammember 30. Each sock 24, 34 may be formed of a material as abovedescribed, so as to enhance retention of the occlusion apparatus 10 wheninstalled on an anatomical structure. It will be appreciated that theexample socks 24, 34 are optional, may be formed and applied inalternative suitable manners, or that alternative retention structuresor coatings may be used to enhance the ability of tissue growth adjacentan installed occlusion apparatus 10 to assist in holding the occlusionapparatus 10 in place.

In this example, the ends 26, 28, 36, 38 of the occlusion apparatus 10are shown as having a common configuration. Each end 26, 28, 36, 38 hasa first passageway 26 a, 28 a, 36 a, 38 a, respectively, therethrough inan orientation that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of therespective beam member 20, 30. The first passageways 26 a, 28 a, 36 a,38 a also are oriented so as to run from an upper side to a lower sideof each respective end. Each end 26, 28, 36, 38 further includes asecond passageway 26 b, 28 b, 36 b, 38 b, respectively, passing throughthe center of the face of the respective end 26, 28, 36, 38 andextending into a coaxial seat 26 c, 28 c, 36 c, 38 c, respectively,within the central body 22, 32 of the beam members 20, 30, best seen inFIGS. 6A and 9. Each seat 26 c, 28 c, 36 c, 38 c is open to a respectivefirst passageway 26 a, 28 a, 36 a, 38 a, such that the secondpassageways 26 b, 28 b, 36 b, 38 b are oriented perpendicular to andeffectively pass through the respective first passageways 26 a, 28 a, 36a, 38 a. Each end 26, 28, 36, 38 also has a pair of protrusions 26 d, 28d, 36 d, 38 d, respectively, extending outward therefrom in anorientation perpendicular to the first passageways 24 a, 26 a, 34 a, 36a.

The respective ends 26, 28, 36, 38 each carry a pin 26 e, 28 e, 36 e, 38e that is received within the respective second passageway 26 b, 28 b,36 b, 38 b, and may be received within the respective seat 26 c, 28 c,36 c, 38 c. The pins 26 e and 36 e disposed at the first ends 26, 36 maybe used to connect the beam members 20, 30 to a first resilient/elasticmember or band 46. First band 46 is formed as a closed loop having acentral opening, such as an O-ring, and may be formed of a rubber orother suitable elastomeric material. As best seen in FIG. 6A, the pins26 e and 36 e are positioned within respective second passageways 26 b,36 b and are advanced into respective seats 26 c, 36 c. In thisposition, each pin 26 e, 36 e traverses a first passageway 26 a, 36 aand the central opening of the band 46, thereby achieving a connectionbetween the first ends 26, 36 that permits some flexibility in relativemovements while also resiliently biasing the first ends 26, 36 towardeach other, as will be discussed in greater detail herein.

The pins 28 e and 38 e are disposed at the second ends 28, 38, which arelocated distally relative to the deployment device 110. The pins 28 eand 38 e similarly may be used to connect the beam members 20, 30 to asecond resilient/elastic member or band 48. The second band 48preferably is formed in a like manner to the first band 46. Thus, thesecond band 48 also is formed of an elastomeric material in a closedloop having a central opening.

In the example occlusion apparatus 10, when in an open position, asshown in FIG. 6A, the second ends 28, 38 are not connected to each otherby the second band 48 and the pins 28 e and 38 e. The band 48 is indeedconnected to the second end 38 of the beam member 30 by pin 38 e whichis positioned within the respective second passageway 38 b, extendsthrough the central opening in the second band 48, and is advanced intorespective seat 38 c. However, at the second end 28 of beam member 20,the pin 28 e is positioned within the respective second passageway 28 bbut does not extend through the central opening in the second band 48,and is not advanced into the respective seat 28 c. Thus, with theocclusion apparatus 10 in an open position, the second band 48 is notbound by the pin 28 e and the second ends 28, 38 are permitted a greaterrange of motion than the first ends 26, 36.

As will be described in greater detail below, the example occlusionapparatus 10 is able to achieve a broad open position to assist incapturing the anatomical structure to be occluded, such as shown inFIGS. 3 and 6A, while also providing a very controlled clamping load andoperating range when in a closed position, such as shown in FIG. 2.Accordingly, in addition to the relatively greater range of motion inthe open position, the second ends 28, 38 of the beam members 20, 30 maybe moved toward a closed position and the second band 48 may be drawninto a position that permits the pin 28 e to be selectively advancedthrough the central opening in the second band 48 and into therespective seat 28 c, thereby connecting the second ends 28, 38, as bestseen in FIG. 10.

When in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable tohave the bands 46, 48 exert a comparable force to achieve a relativelyparallel application of pressure by the beam members 20, 30. Thus,equivalent and appropriate static or unstretched length, working orstretched length, and resiliency for the bands 46, 48 may be chosendepending on the desired application of the occlusion apparatus 10. Forinstance, when used for occlusion of a left atrial appendage, it may bedesirable to select bands 46, 48 which have an effective working lengthbeyond their static length which permits approximately 4 mm of travelbetween the beam members 20, 30, while having resiliency characteristicsthat permit an operating range of 2-12 psi for the clamping load of theocclusion apparatus 10. Due to the configuration of occlusion apparatus10 in this particular example, the exerted pressure may be substantiallyuniform along the length of the occlusion device 10. Of course, it willbe appreciated that occlusion device 10 may be configured to exert anyother suitable amount of travel and pressure. In addition, occlusiondevice 10 may be configured such that the pressure exerted by theocclusion device 10 is not substantially uniform along its length.

In the present example, the clamping load or pressure exerted by theclosed occlusion apparatus 10 on the left atrial appendage LAA in FIG. 2results in occlusion apparatus 10 creating an occlusion of the LAA byclamping the LAA, thereby preventing blood from entering or leaving theLAA relative to the left atrium of the heart. Accordingly, those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that occlusion apparatus 10may be used in a remedial or prophylactic fashion, particularly forreducing the risk of stroke by preventing the formation of blood clotsin the left atrial appendage LAA of a patient. It will be appreciatedthat the use of occlusion apparatus 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and asdescribed above, is merely exemplary, and that an occlusion apparatus 10may be used in a variety of different ways and with a variety ofdifferent anatomical structures.

If occlusion apparatus 10 is left in the position and configurationshown in FIG. 2 for a substantial period of time, the LAA may simplyatrophy and wither away. In the meantime, the occlusion apparatus 10 mayessentially become ingrown with scar tissue, which may be aided by theuse of socks 24, 34, or other suitable tissue retention structures orcoatings. Various other suitable uses will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art.

Turning to the interaction between the occlusion apparatus 10 and thedeployment device 110, it will be appreciated from FIGS. 3-7 that thedeployment device is used to position an occlusion apparatus 10 in anopen position around an anatomical structure to be occluded, and then isused to move the occlusion apparatus 10 to a closed position and todeploy the occlusion apparatus 10 to permit the deployment device 110 tobe removed from the patient. The example deployment device 110 includesa hollow shaft 112 having a distal end 114 that includes a notch 116.The distal end 114 of the shaft 112 is connected to a hollow couplinghead 120 at a proximal first end 122, such as by snap fit, or use ofadhesives or other suitable fastening methods. The coupling head 120 hasa pair of arms 124 terminating in a distal second end 126, and a groove128 along a top side of coupling head 120. The shaft 112 and couplinghead 120 may be formed of suitable relatively rigid medical grademetals, plastics, or the like.

Each arm 124 of the example deployment device apparatus 110 includes arecess 130 that receives a pivot pin 132, and a slot 134 that receives asliding pin 136, best seen in FIG. 7. The sliding pin 136 extendsoutward from a fitting 138 that is connected to the distal end of acable 140 that runs through the hollow coupling head 120 and shaft 112and is connected at its proximal end to an operator control handle (notshown). The fitting 138 may be formed of suitable medical grade metalsor plastics, or the like. It will be appreciated that cable 140 may beformed of a single strand or multiple strands of suitable metal orplastic wire, or the like.

As best seen in FIGS. 6A and 7, the pivot pin 132 that is held in therecesses 130 of arms 124 also engages an upper jaw 142 as it passesthrough apertures 144 on side tabs 146, and engages an opposed lower jaw242 as it passes through apertures 244 on side tabs 246. Opposed upperand lower jaws 142, 242 may be constructed of suitable relatively rigidmedical grade metals, plastics, or the like. One of the side tabs 146,246 of each jaw 142, 242 includes a slot 148, 248 that engages thesliding pin 136 as the sliding pin 136 passes through the slot 148, 248.It will be appreciated that as the cable 140 is drawn through thecoupling head 120 and the shaft 112 of the deployment device 110, thefitting 138 is moved in a direction toward the proximal first end 122 ofthe coupling head 120, and as a result, the sliding pin 136 is movedwithin the slots 134 in the arms 124 of the coupling head 120 toward theproximal first end 122 of the coupling head 120. As the sliding pin 136moves proximally within the slots 134 in the arms 124 of the couplinghead 120, the sliding pin 136 also slides within the slot 148 in theupper jaw 142 and within the slot 248 within the lower jaw 242. Giventhe angles of the slots 148, 248 in the jaws 142, 242, respectively, themovement of the sliding pin 136 in the proximal direction can be used toforce the jaws 142, 242 to hinge about the hinge pin 132 toward a closedposition.

The opposed jaws 142, 242 also include a notch 150, 250 near theirproximal ends, an aperture 152, 252 near their distal ends, and sides154, 254. The sides 154, 254 of the jaws 142, 242 have slots 156, 256parallel to the length of the jaws 142, 242, and notches 158, 258 thatare perpendicular to the length of the jaws 142, 242 and that are opentoward the respective opposed jaw. The use and significance of thesenotches 150, 250, slots 156, 256, and notches 158, 258 will be discussedbelow in more detail after introduction of further cooperativecomponents.

As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, a shuttle assembly 160 includes an uppershuttle body 170, a lower shuttle body 270 and a retainer 162. FIG. 8shows the shuttle assembly 160 in a simplified form for ease of viewing,for instance without the bands 46, 48, and without being connected tocable 140, as shown in FIG. 7. Each upper and lower shuttle body 170,270 has an elongate portion 172, 272 with an aperture 174, 274 at aproximal end of the shuttle body 170, 270. Each shuttle body 170, 270also includes generally upstanding sides 176, 276, each of which has asmall protrusion 178, 278 that extends outward from and parallel to theupstanding sides 166. The distal end of each shuttle body 170, 270includes a notch 180 in each side 176, 276, and the upper shuttle body172 further includes a tab 182 which is perpendicular to but upstandinglike the sides 176. The elongate portion 172, 272 of each shuttle body170, 270 also includes an elongated aperture 184, 284 with a biasingfinger 186, 286 formed as a peninsula within the aperture 184, 284 andbent slightly inward toward the opposed shuttle body.

In FIG. 8, the shuttle assembly 160 is shown with the upper shuttle body170 receiving beam member 20 and lower shuttle body 270 receiving beammember 30. It will be appreciated that in loading the beam member 20into the upper shuttle body 170 the beam member 20 must be placedbetween the sides 176 and pressed against the finger 186 until theprotrusions 28 d on the end 28 of the beam member 20 are aligned withthe notches 180 of the upper shuttle body 170. The beam member 20 thenmust be moved in the proximal direction to seat the protrusions 28 d inthe notches 180 of the upper shuttle body 170. Similarly, in loading thebeam member 30 into the lower shuffle body 270 the beam member 30 mustbe placed between the sides 276 and pressed against the finger 286 untilthe protrusions 38 d on the end 38 of the beam member 30 are alignedwith the notches 280, such that the beam member 30 may be movedproximally to seat the protrusions 38 d in the notches 280 of the lowershuttle body 270. Note that the portion of the biasing finger 286 shownin FIG. 9 would not normally be in the position shown when the beammember 30 is loaded in the shuttle body 270. Rather the biasing finger286 would be pushed to a position generally in alignment with theelongate portion 272 of the shuttle body 270. Accordingly, the portionof the biasing finger 286 is shown in FIG. 9 merely to illustrate theposition of the biasing finger 286 relative to the shuttle body 270 andjaw 242 when a beam member 30 is not present.

FIG. 8 also shows the upper and lower shuttle bodies 170, 270 beingconnected at their proximal ends to the spring arms 162 a at hook ends162 b via the apertures 174, 274. When the shuttle assembly 160 isinstalled within the jaws 142, 242, the spring arms 162 a of theretainer 162 tend to bias the jaws 142, 242 toward an open position.With the retainer 162 connected to the cable 140, as shown in FIG. 7, itwill be appreciated that movement of the shuttle assembly 160 in theproximal direction can be controlled by drawing the cable 140 in theproximal direction via an operator control handle (not shown).

A more complete view of the occlusion apparatus 10 loaded within thedeployment device 110 and in an open position is shown in FIG. 6A andcan be further appreciated in conjunction with FIGS. 7 and 8. Thus, whenthe upper and lower beam members 20, 30 are loaded within the upper andlower shuttle bodies 170, 270, the protrusions 28 d, 38 d are seated inthe notches 180, 280 of the shuttle bodies 170, 270, as well as beingseated in the notches 158, 258 of the upper and lower jaws 142, 242. Inturn, it will be appreciated that the protrusions 178, 278 in the sides176, 276 of the shuttle bodies 170, 270 are seated within the slots 156,256 in the sides 154, 254 of the upper and lower jaws 142, 242. When theocclusion apparatus 10 is loaded in the deployment device 110, the band46 is held by pins 26 e, 36 e at the proximal ends 26, 36 of beammembers 20, 30, permitting some movement of beam members 20, 30 relativeto each other. At the distal end 38 of the beam member 30, the pin 38 eis installed through the opening in band 48. However, at the distal end28 of beam member 20, pin 28 e is not connected to the band 48. Instead,the pin 28 e at the proximal end 28 of beam member 20 initially islocated within the passageway 28 b, but not advanced to the point oftraversing the passageway 28 a. With the beam members 20, 30 loaded inthe deployment device 110, the arms 162 a of the retainer 162 pressoutward against the jaws 142, 242 to hold the occlusion device 10 in anopen position.

With the occlusion apparatus 10 loaded in the deployment device 110, asbest seen in FIGS. 6 and 6A, a flexible cinching member 290 is connectedat its distal end 292 to the band 48 that is connected to the pin 38 ein the distal end 38 of the lower beam member 30. The cinching member290 then is threaded upward through the passageway 28 a in the end 28 ofthe beam member 20. The threading of flexible cinching member 290 thencontinues in the proximal direction through the groove 128 along the topside of the coupling head 120, then downward through the notch 116 inthe shaft 112, and then within the shaft 112 to an operator controlhandle (not shown) at the proximal end of the deployment device 110. Theflexible cinching member 290 preferably is a suture, but may beconstructed of any suitable material(s) and in single or multiplefilaments in the form of a thread, a string, a band, or any othersuitable method or device.

With the beam members 20, 30 loaded within the shuttle assembly 160 andthe jaws 142, 242, and with the jaws 142, 242 biased toward an openposition by the arms 162 a of the retainer 162, the distal end of thedeployment device 110 can be moved into a position to locate between thebeam members 20, 30 of the occlusion apparatus 10 an anatomicalstructure to be occluded. With the occlusion apparatus 10 appropriatelypositioned, the flexible cinching member 290 connected at its distal end292 to the band 48 that is connected to the pin 38 e in the distal end38 of lower beam member 30 may then be drawn through the shaft 112 inthe proximal direction. In this manner, the cinching member 290 may beused as a primary mover. Upon drawing the cinching member 290 in theproximal direction, the lower beam member 30 will be drawn towardopposed upper beam member 20. Given that the beam members 20, 30 havetheir protrusions 28 b, 38 b seated in the notches 180, 280 of upper andlower shuttle bodies 170, 270 and in the notches 158, 258 of the upperand lower jaws 142, 242, the jaws 142, 242 will be drawn toward a closedposition, overcoming the bias provided by the arms 162 a of the retainer162.

As the beam members 20, 30 reach a closed position, the cinching member290 may continue to be drawn in the proximal direction until the band 48enters and is stretched into the first passageway 28 a of the end 28 ofthe beam member 20 so as to traverse the second passageway 28 b in theend 28 of the beam member 20. With the band 48 stretched into thisposition the motion of the cinching member 290 or primary mover iscomplete, and the cable 140 may be drawn in the proximal direction so asto move the sliding pin 136 of the fitting 138 within the slots 148, 248in the jaws 142, 242. The movement of the sliding pin 136 in theproximal direction and against the angled slots 148, 248 tends to holdthe jaws in a closed position.

As the cable 140 advances the sliding pin 136, it also moves theretainer 162 in the proximal direction. As the retainer 162 is moved inthe proximal direction, the shuttle bodies 170, 270 also are moved inthe proximal direction relative to the jaws 142, 242, however, the beammembers 20, 30 do not move in the proximal direction due to the locationof the protrusions 28 b, 38 b in the notches 152, 252 of the jaws 142,242. The movement of the shuttle bodies 170, 270 in the proximaldirection causes the tab 182 at the distal end of the upper shuttle body170 to force the pin 28 e to move in the proximal direction relative tothe beam member 20. Thus, the tab 182 moves the pin 28 e so as totraverse the first passageway 28 a and extend through the opening in thestretched band 48 until the pin 28 e comes to rest in the seat 28 cwithin the central body 22 of beam member 20. As the shuttle bodies 170,270 are moved in the proximal direction and the pin 28 e is capturingthe band 48 and being seated within the beam member 20, the notches 180,280 in the sides 176, 276 of the shuttle bodies 170, 270 also are beingmoved in the proximal direction relative to the jaws 142, 242. Thismovement of the notches 180, 280 permits the protrusions 28 d, 38 d inthe ends 28, 38 of the beam members 20, 30 to be released by the shuttlebodies 170, 270. Once the protrusions 28 d, 38 d are released by thenotches 180, 280 of the shuttle bodies 170, 270, the protrusions arefree to move out of the notches 152, 252 in the jaws 142, 242. Bycutting the cinching member 290, the fingers 186, 286 in the shuttlebodies 170, 270 tend to urge the beam members 20, 30 to move away fromthe jaws 142, 242 to release the occlusion apparatus 10 from thedeployment device 110. Thus, the cable 140 may be a secondary mover tomove the shuttle bodies 170, 270 and therefore the pin 28 e to lock theocclusion apparatus 10 in a closed position and to release it from thedeployment device 110.

With the cinching member 290 cut and the retainer 162 continuing to biasthe jaws 142, 242 toward an open position, the slots 148, 248 in thejaws 142, 242 tend to push the sliding pin 136 in a distal direction.Movement of the sliding pin 136 in the distal direction causes the cable140 to be extended and the jaws 142, 242 to be moved toward an openposition. Thus, by allowing the cable 140 to move in the distaldirection, the jaws 142, 242 may achieve an open position to permit theocclusion apparatus 10 to completely disengage from the deploymentdevice 110. With the occlusion apparatus 10 released by the jaws 142,242, the deployment device 110 may be removed from the proximity of theoccluded anatomical structure, leaving the occlusion apparatus 10 inposition, such as is shown in FIG. 2.

In its closed position, the occlusion apparatus 10 includes a band 46,48 at the respective ends 26, 36 and 28, 38 of the beam members 20, 30.The bands 46, 48 preferably have a similar resiliency and operatingrange over which they may be stretched, such that they will tend toapply an even pressure to the anatomical structure being occluded andthereby tend to maintain a parallel positioning of the beam members 20,30. However, it will be appreciated that the bands 46, 48 need not be inthe form of resilient loops and need not have equal elastomericproperties. Thus, it will be appreciated that other suitableconfigurations and materials may be used to permit resilient structures,generically referred to herein as a bands 46, 48 to permit stretchingand connection to the beam members 20, 30. Moreover, while pins 26 e, 28e, 36 e and 38 e and ends 26, 28, 36, 38 were shown as examplestructures by which the bands 46, 48 may be connected to the beammembers 20, 30, it will be appreciated that alternative structures maybe used to connect such resilient members to beam members, and that thesame structures and materials need not be used at both ends of the pairof beam members.

In light of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that an exampleocclusion apparatus 10 may be transitioned from an open configurationtoward a closed configuration by applying a pulling force to thecinching member 290, in the proximal direction. Once the band 48 that isconnected to the cinching member 290 has been sufficiently stretched tomove it into position for connection to a second beam member 20, thenthe shuttle bodies 170, 270 may be pulled in the proximal direction tosimultaneously establish the connection of the band 28 to the beammember 20 while also disengaging the holding notches in the shuttlebodies 170, 270 from the protrusions 28 d, 38 d at the ends 28, 38 ofthe beam members. After cutting the cinching member 290, the cable 140may be permitted to travel in the distal direction, which will allow thejaws 142, 242 to open to a point of fully releasing the beam members 20,30. It will be appreciated that cinching member 290 may be drawn in theproximal direction and then permitted to extend, as needed, until theocclusion apparatus 10 is deemed to be appropriately positioned relativeto the anatomical structure to be occluded, and ready for closure anddeployment.

As noted above, various alternative means for attaching the resilientmember or band to the beams may be employed. For example, in each of theembodiments 11A-C, a separate part or component is used to affix theresilient member to the beam. In FIGS. 11A and 11 B, a pin 301 isreceived in the end of the beam member 303 to capture the resilientmember 305. in FIG. 11A, the pin 301 is generally aligned with thelongitudinal axis of the beam member 303 (as shown in described ingreater detail in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10).Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11B, the pin 301 can be orientedgenerally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the beam member303. Of course, other orientations for the pin would also be acceptable.

In a further alternative, a suture 307 may be used to secure theresilient member 305 to the beam 303, as shown in FIG. 11C. In FIG. 11C,the suture 307 is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of thebeam member 303. However, the suture may have other orientations.

Alternatively, the component for affixing the resilient member to thebeams may be fixed to, or integral with, the beam. In FIG. 12A, theattachment means for the resilient member 309 comprises an internalmolded feature of the beam 311, such as a cantilevered post 313. In FIG.12B, the beam 311 has an external molded feature, such as a relievedarea or shoulder 315. As shown in FIG. 12C, the external feature maycomprise a groove 317 that seats the resilient member 309.Alternatively, or additionally, the resilient member may be secured tothe beam 311 by an adhesive or bonding agent 319, as illustrated in FIG.12D. In a further alternative, the resilient member 309 may be insertmolded to the beam 311, as represented by FIG. 12E.

In a further variation, the component for securing the resilient memberto the beam member may be fixed to, or integral with, the resilientmember. For example, a metallic component, such as a barb 321 (FIG. 13A)or a pin 323 (FIG. 13D), may be insert molded into the resilient member325. Alternatively, the resilient member 325 can be molded to haveopposed, enlarged heads 327 (FIG. 13B) or opposed pins 329 (FIG. 13C)that are adapted to be captured in a complementary structure on thebeam. As a still further alternative, the resilient member may be moldedwith an end cap 331 (FIG. 13E) that fits over the end of a beam member333 having a complementary shape.

Various alternative configurations may also be employed for theattachment location on the beams for the resilient member or band. Forexample, in each of the embodiments of FIGS. 14A-D, the beams 335 areconfigured with a passageway or window 337 through the beam whichreceives the resilient member, or through which the resilient member maybe threaded. In FIG. 14A, the windows 337 have a configuration that isgenerally perpendicular to the long axes of the beams 335, with thewindows 337 being aligned so that they would also be generallyperpendicular to an anatomical structure held therebetween. In FIG. 14B,the windows 337 are generally perpendicular to the long axes of thebeams 335, with the windows being aligned so that they would also begenerally parallel to an anatomical structure held therebetween. In FIG.14C, the windows 337 are generally coincident with the long axes of thebeams, and extend from end to end. FIG. 14D illustrates an embodimentsimilar to that shown in FIG. 14B, in which the windows 337 are orientedgenerally parallel to the anatomical structure. However, the beams arefurther relieved at 339 so that a keyhole-shaped pocket 341 is created.

Alternatively, the attachment location on the beam may be configured sothat the resilient member is looped or wrapped around the end of thebeam. Turning to FIG. 15A, the end of the beam 343 may be provided witha radial groove 345 for seating the resilient member. In FIG. 15B, thebeam 343 has a post 347 extending axially therefrom, the post having anenlarged end or hook 349 to help keep the resilient member seated on thepost 347. In FIG. 15C, the beam 343 is provided with enlarged ends 351,so that it has a barbell appearance, for the same purpose.

As can be readily appreciated, the various configurations of theattachment locations may be combined or mixed within a single occlusionapparatus. For example, as shown in FIG. 16A, the right ends of thebeams 353 have their attachment location configured similar to thatshown in FIG. 14A, with a through window for receiving the resilientband 355, while the left end is configured such that the resilientmember 357 is wrapped or looped around the ends of the beams 353 andseated in a radial groove 359, similar to that shown in FIG. 15A. Ofcourse, the configuration of the attachment location may be combinedwithin each paired end of the occlusion apparatus such that a throughwindow configuration is matched with a wrap-around configuration. Afurther hybrid is shown in FIG. 16B, where the resilient member 361 isthreaded through the window 363 in the end of the beam 365 and thenlooped or wrapped around the end of the beam.

Various alternative configurations are also contemplated for theresilient/elastic member. As described above in connection with theembodiment of FIGS. 1-10, the resilient member may comprise a resilientO-ring. The resilient/elastic member may also be such as those shown inFIGS. 13A-B, described above. As a further alternative, the resilientmember 367 may have a dog bone configuration with enlarged ends 369, asshown FIG. 17A, with a hole 371 in each end for affixing the band 367 tothe beam. Further alternatives are shown in FIG. 17B, where theresilient member 367 has a barbell or I beam shape with enlarged ends373, and FIG. 17C, where the enlarged ends 375 have a truncated conicalshape, both of which would cooperate with a complementary shaped windowon the beam. As a further alternative, two or more resilient members,such as any of those described above, may be affixed to each end of thebeam set to achieve the desired closing force.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the occlusion apparatus hashad at least one separate resilient member associated with each end ofthe beam set. It is also contemplated that a resilient member may be, ifconfigured such that a single continuous resilient member is providedfor each beam set, with the resilient member wrapping or extendingaxially around or through both beams.

Turning to FIGS. 18A-D, there are seen four alternatives in which theresilient member comprises a single continuous member 337 per beam setand in which the resilient member 377 extends axially through anelongated passageway 379 in the beams 381 (e.g. see FIG. 14C).Alternatively, the beams 381 may have a U-shaped cross section thatseats the elastic member 377. The continuous elastic member 377 may beunsecured to the members of the beam set, as shown in FIG. 18A.Alternatively, the resilient member may be affixed to one or more of thebeams at one or more location, as shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C, in whichthe enlarged portion 383 of the elastic member represents a point ofaffixation. The manner of affixation is not critical, and may be any ofa number of methods that would occur to a person skilled in the art,such as using an adhesive, welding, etc. In FIG. 18B the resilientmember 377 is affixed in both ends of both beams 381. In FIG. 18C, theresilient member 377 is fixed at both ends of a single beam 381. Undersuch circumstances, the resilient member 377 does not necessarily needto be a continuous loop, and the portion interior of the beams 381between the affixation points 383 is not required. In a furtherembodiment, the beam members 381 may be provided with friction reducingmeans for the resilient member, so as to provide for a more consistentapplication of closing force. For example, the ends of the beams 381 maybe provided with rolling elements, such as the sleeves 385, mounted forrotation on pins 387, as shown in FIG. 18D. Also, as noted above, whilethe embodiments of FIG. 18A-D utilize a single resilient member 377, twoor more such resilient members could be utilized to achieve the desiredclosure force.

Further alternative configurations are shown in FIGS. 19A-E in which asingle continuous closure element 391 is used. The closure element 391is, in general, substantially less resilient or elastic than theresilient members described above, and may comprise, for example, anendo loop. As shown in FIG. 19A, the closure element 391 may be threadedthrough both beam members 393 and then tied off in a knot 395. The beammembers 393 may be brought into proximity by pulling on the portion ofthe closure element 391 proximal to the knot 395. Further, resilientmembers such as those described above, may be applied to the ends of thebeams 393 to maintain the closure force, or the knot 395 may be a slipknot which would cinch down to maintain the spacing of the beams. Withreference to FIG. 19B, the closure element 391 can be first located orpositioned around the tissue or anatomical structure to be clamped oroccluded, with the elongated beams 393 then being threaded over theopposite ends of the closure element 391. In FIG. 19B a ferrule 397 isused instead of a knot to apply a cinching force to the closure element.

In FIG. 19C, one free end 399 of the closure element 391 is secured toone of the beams 393, and the closure element is threaded between thebeam members through apertures 401 in beams such that it engages bothbeams. Closure force is applied to the beams 393 by pulling on the otherfree end 403 of the closure element 391, and the apertures 401 cooperateto act like a buckle to lock the closure element 391 relative to thebeams. In FIG. 19D, the beams 393 are provided with external stirrups oreyelets 405 adjacent each end through which the closure element isthreaded. In FIG. 19E, the beam members 393 are provided with a seriesof holes 451 which the closure element 391 is threaded through.

Having shown and described various examples of an embodiment accordingto the present disclosure, further adaptations of the methods,components and systems described herein may be accomplished byappropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure. Several of such potentialmodifications have been mentioned, and still others will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments,geometries, materials, dimensions, steps, and the like discussed aboveare illustrative and are not necessarily required. Accordingly, thescope of the present disclosure should be considered in terms of thefollowing claims and is understood not to be limited to the details ofstructure and operation shown and described in the specification anddrawings.

As set forth above, the described device includes the aspects set forthbelow, with each of the aspects being susceptible of use with any of theother aspects, as is appropriate.

In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus is provided for occluding ananatomical structure comprising a first beam having first and secondends; a second beam having first and second ends; at least a firstresilient/elastic member connecting the first beam member and the secondbeam member; and wherein the first resilient member applies a force tothe first beam member and the second beam sufficient to occlude theanatomical structure.

In accordance with another aspect, an occlusion apparatus furthercomprises at least a second resilient member connecting the second endof the first beam member to the second end of the second beam memberwherein the second resilient member is stretched to facilitateconnection to the second end of the second beam member when theocclusion apparatus.

In accordance with another aspect, an occlusion apparatus is providedwherein the second resilient member is connected to the second end ofthe first beam member when the occlusion apparatus is in an openposition, and wherein the second resilient member is stretched tofacilitate connection to the second end of the second beam when theocclusion apparatus is in the closed position.

In accordance with another aspect, an occlusion apparatus is providedwherein the first and second beam members are substantially rigid.

In accordance with another aspect, an occlusion apparatus is providedwherein when the occlusion apparatus is in the closed position, thefirst and second resilient members generate a pressure applied by thefirst and second beam members within an operating range of 2-12 psi.

In accordance with another aspect, an occlusion apparatus is providedwherein the first and second resilient members have an equivalenteffective resiliency.

In accordance with another aspect, an occlusion apparatus is providedwherein the first and second beam members are adapted to apply an evendistribution of pressure along their lengths when in the closedposition.

In accordance with another aspect, an occlusion apparatus is providedwherein the first resilient member is in the form of a loop or,alternatively, is discontinuous.

In accordance with another aspect, an occlusion apparatus is providedwherein the first resilient member is connected to the first beam memberby a pin.

In accordance with another aspect, an occlusion apparatus is providedwherein the second resilient member is not connected to the second beammember when the occlusion apparatus is in the open position but isconnected to the second beam member by a pin when the occlusionapparatus is in a closed position.

In accordance with another aspect, an occlusion apparatus is providedwherein the occlusion apparatus is configured to permit an anatomicalstructure to be passed between the first and second beam members when inthe open position.

In accordance with another aspect, a system for occluding an anatomicalstructure is provided comprising an occlusion apparatus according to theaspects described above; a deployment device in which the deploymentdevice is adapted to hold the occlusion apparatus in an open positionfor locating the occlusion apparatus adjacent an anatomical structure tobe occluded; and the deployment device further comprises a primary moveradapted to move the occlusion apparatus to a closed position and asecondary mover adapted to lock the occlusion apparatus in the closedposition.

In accordance with another aspect, a system is provided wherein theprimary mover further comprises a cinching member.

In accordance with another aspect, a system is provided wherein thecinching member further comprises a suture.

In accordance with another aspect, a system is provided wherein thesecondary mover is further adapted to release the occlusion apparatusfrom the deployment device.

In accordance with another aspect, a system is provided wherein thedeployment device further comprises a shaft having a distal end; firstand second jaws coupled to the distal end of the shaft and biased towardan open position; first and second shuttle bodies slidably connected tothe respective first and second jaws; the first and second shuttlebodies being adapted to releasably connect the occlusion apparatus tothe respective first and second jaws when the first and second shuttlebodies are in a first position relative to the first and second jaws;and wherein the jaws are movable to a closed position after which theshuttle bodies are movable to a second position relative to the firstand second jaws wherein the occlusion apparatus is released from thedeployment device.

In accordance with another aspect, a system is provided that comprises acable coupled to the jaws and adapted to control the opening position ofthe first and second jaws.

In accordance with another aspect, a system is provided wherein thedeployment device further comprises a resilient retainer coupled to theshuttle bodies and that tends to bias the jaws toward an open position.

In accordance with another aspect, a system is provided wherein thefirst and second jaws of the deployment device are pivotably connectedto each other.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for occluding an anatomical structurecomprising: an occlusion apparatus comprising: a first beam having firstand second ends, a second beam having first and second ends, a firstelastic band for coupling the first end of the first beam with the firstend of the second beam, the first elastic band biasing the first end ofthe first beam toward the first end of the second beam, a second elasticband coupled to the second end of the second beam, the second elasticband configured to bias the second end of the first beam toward thesecond end of the second beam when the second elastic band is coupled tothe second ends of the first and second beams, and a connectorrepositionable to extend into an orifice in the second end of the firstbeam to couple the second elastic band to the second end of the firstbeam; and, a deployment device coupled to the occlusion apparatus inorder to reposition the occlusion apparatus between an open position anda closed position, the deployment device further comprising a first jawoperatively coupled to the first beam and a second jaw operativelycoupled to the second beam, the first jaw and the second jaw beingrepositionable with respect to one another.
 2. The system of claim 1,further comprising a cable coupled to the jaws and adapted to controlrepositioning of the first and second jaws.
 3. The system of claims 1,wherein the deployment device further comprises: a shaft having a distalend, wherein: the first and second jaws are coupled to the distal end ofthe shaft and biased toward an open position, first and second shuttlebodies are slidably connected to the respective first and second jaws,the first and second shuttle bodies releasably connecting the occlusionapparatus to the respective first and second jaws when the first andsecond shuttle bodies are in a first position relative to the first andsecond jaws, and the first and second jaws are movable to a closedposition after which the shuttle bodies are movable to a second positionrelative to the first and second jaws wherein the occlusion apparatus isreleased from the deployment device.
 4. A system for occluding ananatomical structure comprising: an occlusion apparatus comprising: afirst axial beam, a second axial beam, a first elastic band coupling afirst end of the first axial beam with a first end of the second axialbeam resulting in an open-ended occlusion device where second ends ofthe first and second axial beams are not tethered together, the firstelastic band biasing the first end of the first axial beam toward thefirst end of the second axial beam, a deployment device removablycoupled to the open-ended occlusion device and configured to controlrepositioning of the open-ended occlusion device between an openposition and a closed position, the closed position having the firstaxial beam and the second axial beam generally parallel to one anotherand generally equidistantly spaced apart along an axial direction. 5.The system of claim 4, wherein the deployment device includes: a firstjaw extending axially along the first axial beam and removably coupledto the first axial beam; and, a second jaw extending axially along thesecond axial beam and removably coupled to the second axial beam.
 6. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein the deployment device further includes acable operatively coupled to the first and second jaws, the cablerepositionable to facilitate repositioning of the first and second axialbeams between the closed position and the open position.
 7. The systemof claim 5, wherein the deployment device further comprises: a shafthaving a distal end operatively coupled to the first and second jaws,the first and second jaws pivotally repositionable with respect to oneanother; and, a release configured to selectively disengage at least oneof the first and second jaws from at least one of the first and secondaxial beams.
 8. A system for occluding an anatomical structurecomprising: an occlusion apparatus comprising: a first axial beamcoupled to a second axial beam, the first and second axial beams coupledto one another at respective ends via a first elastic connection, wherethe first elastic connection is operative to bias the first axial beamtoward the second axial beam; a deployment device removably coupled tothe first and second axial beams and configured to control repositioningof the first and second axial beams between an open position and aclosed position, the deployment device including jaws extending along adominant longitudinal dimension of the first and second axial beams tooverlap and underlap the first and second axial beams so the first andsecond axial beam interpose the jaws.
 9. The system of claim 8, whereinthe deployment device includes: a first jaw extending axially along thefirst axial beam and removably coupled to the first axial beam; and, asecond jaw extending axially along the second axial beam and removablycoupled to the second axial beam.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein thedeployment device further includes a cable operatively coupled to thefirst and second jaws, the cable repositionable to facilitaterepositioning of the first and second axial beams between the closedposition and the open position.
 11. The system of claims 9, wherein thedeployment device further comprises: a shaft having a distal endoperatively coupled to the first and second jaws, the first and secondjaws pivotally repositionable with respect to one another; and, arelease configured to selectively disengage at least one of the firstand second jaws from at least one of the first and second axial beams.12. A system for occluding an anatomical structure comprising: anocclusion apparatus comprising: a first beam having first and secondends, a second beam having first and second ends, a first resilientconnector for coupling the first end of the first beam with the firstend of the second beam, the first resilient connector biasing the firstend of the first beam toward the first end of the second beam includingwhen the first and second beams are adjacent one another, a secondresilient connector coupled to the second end of the second beam, thesecond resilient connector configured to bias the second end of thefirst beam toward the second end of the second beam when the secondresilient connector is coupled to the second ends of the first andsecond beams, including when the first and second beams are adjacent oneanother, and a deployment device coupled to the occlusion apparatus inorder to reposition the occlusion apparatus between an open position anda closed position, the deployment device operatively coupled to thesecond resilient connector to reposition the second resilient connectorindependent from the first and second beams.
 13. The system of claim 12,wherein the first and second beams are not coupled to structureconfigured to pierce tissue.